Ms Bailey – who was most famous for her Electra Brown series, aimed at teenagers – disappeared in April last year.

Her remains were found in the fetid burial site three months later.

Dead at her side was her pet dachshund Boris.

SWNS

RIP: Helen Bailey's dachshund Boris was found with her

DCI Jerome Kent, who helped secure Stewart's conviction, said: "You will not be surprised that police investigating Ian Stewart for the murder of Helen Bailey would consider if there are any similar links to the death of his first wife.

"There is not a murder investigation into Diane Stewart, there is a re-examination of a sudden, unexpected death.